Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Biden vows to strengthen economy despite exploding COVID-19 pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plans to boost the U.S. economy but said any structural reforms depend first on reining in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salvation Army sees spike in needs, now offers contactless ways to donate

The Salvation Army says requests for food since the pandemic started have increased significantly, and as Red Kettle season launches, Minnesotans are eager to help.

709,000 seek unemployment aid as pandemic escalates

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, the fourth straight drop and a sign that the job market is slowly healing.

Less than 2 weeks remain to collect $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus check

The fast-approaching deadline, Nov. 21, is for those who have not yet received a $1,200 stimulus check but still may qualify.

751,000 seek unemployment benefits as pandemic hobbles US economy

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 751,000, a still-historically high level that shows that many employers keep cutting jobs in the face of the accelerating pandemic.

McConnell promises COVID-19 stimulus as he maintains seat

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., promised that approval of a new coronavirus relief package by the end of the year can be reached as lawmakers are set to return to work following Tuesday’s elections.

American unemployment claims fall to 751,000; coronavirus resurges

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 751,000, the lowest since March but a figure that remains historically high and indicates the viral pandemic is still forcing many employers to cut jobs.

US economy grew at 33% rate in 3rd quarter but recovery is incomplete

The U.S. economy grew at a 33.1% annual rate in the July-September quarter — by far the largest quarterly gain on record — rebounding from an epic plunge in the spring.

Pelosi 'remains optimistic' about COVID-19 relief package before Election Day

Despite failing on Monday to come to an agreement on a coronavirus stimulus package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "remains optimistic" that a deal with the White House can be reached before Election Day.

Stocks plunge as COVID-19 cases surge in US

The stock market had its worst day in a month as virus cases surge and help for the economy from Washington remains nowhere in sight.

Unemployment claims fall to 787,000; layoffs still high

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 787,000, a sign that job losses may have eased slightly but are still running at historically high levels.

Coronavirus relief talks crawl ahead; McConnell is resistant

President Donald Trump’s most powerful Senate ally is pressing the White House not to move ahead on a coronavirus pandemic relief package.

McConnell says any Pelosi-Mnuchin COVID-19 stimulus deal would get Senate vote

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he'll schedule a vote if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Trump administration are able to seal an agreement on a huge COVID-19 relief bill.

Trump teases stepping in if Republicans oppose multi-trillion dollar stimulus package

President Trump hinted he might intervene if Republican senators don't support a second coronavirus stimulus package worth trillions of dollars, during an interview with Charles Benson of WTMJ4 Milwaukee on Saturday.

Minnesota reports lowest labor force participation in a decade

Minnesota has its lowest labor force participation rate in at least a decade, as tens of thousands of people apparently stopped looking for work in September.

Layoffs remain elevated as 898,000 seek unemployment aid

The government will issue its latest snapshot Thursday of the level of layoffs in the United States, which remain elevated seven months after the viral pandemic erupted and after the expiration of federal unemployment aid for millions of Americans.

2 Americans awarded Nobel Prize in economics

Americans Paul R. Milgrom and Robert B. Wilson have won the Nobel Prize in economics for “improvements to auction theory and inventions of new auction formats.”

White House boosts offer in COVID-19 aid talks

The White House is boosting its offer in up-and-down COVID-19 aid talks Friday in hopes of an agreement before Election Day.